Words and wine by Amy M. Reade

We Are the World Blogfest #WATWB

It’s the last Friday of the month–time again for some good news to take you into September with a smile. This story is a great one for kids, parents, readers, writers, and anyone who loves the written word.

Here’s how #WATWB works: On the last Friday of each month a number of bloggers participate in a blog hop in which each blogger highlights a story that spreads good news, happiness, and hope.

A great link, Amy. I think reading is the most important thing we can teach our children. My younger son is remedial and the homework drives me crazy. I read with him at least 20 minutes everyday and it is a wonderful bonding experience and his internal growth is lovely to see.

I agree: one can’t overstate the importance of reading to children while they’re young. That’s when they develop lifelong habits and starting them off on the right foot can be one of the biggest factors in their future development. And in terms of bonding, there are few things that are better, in my opinion, than a parent and child curling up to read together. So glad you stopped by!

My puppy TinkerToy said he bumped into you at Sally’s party earlier today – sorry I missed you but it’s nice to catch you here. 🙂 WONDERFUL idea, since kids who are read to usually grow up to be readers.

I recently did a post on the benefits of reading books to brain development and neuro-protection [“Read any good books lately?” — find it on my sidebar] The statistics are quite astonishing where the dementias are concerned, including a much lower risk of Alzheimers. Tons of other benefits to cognition overall – as well as to mental and physical health.

According to several studies, reading books and engaging with the narrator or central character (which leaves changes that can be seen on a scan) develops empathy as well — and not reading seems to shut it down. I hope this initiative catches fire. Oh, and Tink wishes you a HAPPY DOG DAY.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to educate a world!”

I was pleased to find the article about the school district in Florida because I know how important reading has been in my life. Not only has it made me an inquisitive, curious adult who loves to learn, but when I’m reading my brain is constantly engaged, making new neural connections and strengthening my own ability to create. It also opens up opportunities to learn from others, whether it be the people who write the things I read or other readers who have different views from my own about a piece of writing.

I appreciate you visiting my blog after noticing my comment at Sally’s party. I will be returning the favor!

Incidentally, I’ve been reading a book about gut health and the bacteria that aid in the body’s ability to quash inflammation. Though I’m not far into the book, I’m very impressed with what the author has to say about the role of inflammation in dementia and Alzheimers (as well as many other health conditions). Between gut health and strengthening our brains through activities like reading and other hobbies, we might be able to better predict the future of Alzheimers. The book, if you’re interested, is called Brain Maker by David Perlmutter, MD.

We seem to have mutual fascinations (besides our dogs, lol). Glad to have connected.

I began reading about the gut/brain axis early, after a SERIOUS bout of depression followed a protracted and unavoidable course of antibiotics that, apparently, wiped out my serotonin “precursor-makers.” I barely left my bed, totally isolated for almost a year. SSRI’s, of course, did nothing for me until they had something to work with.

This was early on and I only found out about the gut-health research when a friend taking a late psychology degree heard about it in one of her classes at Columbia. It took another full year on probiotics to get my old self back (not yogurt, lol).

I came across Perlmutter some years back when I began my gluten research, following Dr. Tom O’Bryan’s first (online) Gluten Summit. Attending for information only, I had NO intention of going gluten free since I had no celiac symptoms. The information changed my mind quite rapidly and I took ALL forms of gluten out of my kitchen and my life well before it was over. I was simply stunned by all I heard about non-celiac gluten sensitivity and have been zero gluten for several years now.

The videos and transcripts of interviews with THE experts (including Marsh) are still available at TheDr dot com if you aren’t aware of them (reasonable charge, but no longer free). There are also many interviews with O’Bryan on YouTube. His brilliance is putting immunology concepts, etc. in easily understood terminology and making clear links between the new info and health – including brain health. Reasonable man and careful with his language (i.e. “indicates” vs. “proves” etc).

Perlmutter articles and videos are all over the ‘net as well, and I’ve read a great many of them, but have not read this particular book – thanks. Did you read his Grain Brain?

I’m sure you know this is still all quite controversial, but it was enough for me to give it up prophylactically. I’m not sure if I have had any positive brain-benefits, but the tummy I believed was “simply” an effect of getting older is now gone – sans sit ups or other ab workouts. Truly worth changing my diet for that benefit alone! 🙂

I’m still researching and will do a few more gluten posts in time. TONS to pour through still – especially the implications for the brain. Competing priorities for my time, and reading those studies is slow going – lol. I’ve already noted that they are misrepresented as often as not in the “popular” articles online and by the popular press.

Heading back to Smorgasbord Inspiration throughout the weekend. Sally has been such a dear supporter of my articles I want to make sure I return the favor. LOVE her excellent nutrition & health Series especially – comprehensive and informative.
xx,
mgh

The research presented in the book I’m reading is enough to make me want to change my eating habits, though right now Perlmutter is only presenting research findings–he hasn’t gotten to the part about what changes people can make yet. It’s a dense read, but understandable. This was my introduction to him, though I’ve added Grain Brain to my list of important reads. I’ve been long suspicious of the pharmaceutical industry and the things Perlmutter says make total sense when one looks at the research in terms of how much money the industry could lose if people were able to stop taking drugs and support their own health through dietary changes. It’s interesting that you talk about the SSRIs that had nothing to take hold of in your body following your bout with depression. There’s quite a lot about that in the book. I’m also interested in the GMO revolution and learning how the body is sensitive to the presence of GMOs in food. I haven’t heard of the sites/doctors you mention, but like I said, I’m early on in this discovery. I will also try to get over to Smorgasbord–I think Sally does more good for people than she could ever realize. Talk to you soon!

Hi, Michelle. I couldn’t agree more with all that’s been written and said about families who read together. That activity has had a huge effect on my own life and, I can confidently say, the lives of my children, too. Incidentally, I read your offering to the #WATWB this week, and it was just beautiful. To think that a woman would spend her final days in service to others is uplifting and inspiring. Thank you also for sharing Lerina’s story.

This is a wonderful idea, Amy. It seems that somewhere along the way kids began to bring far too much homework home and it disrupted family time. By the time the kids finished the homework and ate dinner, it was time for bed. Hopefully this initiative will not only bring more reading into homes but more family time, too. Thanks for sharing it with us for #WATWB!

I love the idea because it does away with the angst and stress that accompany so many homework assignments. It’s nurturing a behavior that many families already practice, and hopefully fostering such behavior in families that are just starting it. Glad you enjoyed it!

How fabulous – I’m 1000% behind this initiative. And isn’t it delightful to think about all the dedicated life-long readers who might develop under this plan given the time and space to pursue what really interests them?

That’s one of the great things about this plan–it allows kids to explore things that they might not otherwise get a chance to learn about, and in so doing, they might develop a passion that lasts a lifetime. If nothing else, I hope families develop a passion for reading together. Thanks for visiting!

I love this idea ~ I always loved reading books especially to my daughter when she was young, we are still sharing books and all discussions usually ends up on what we are currently reading. This idea would certainly do away with the tension and arguments on getting their homework done and gain some special family time. Thank for sharing and participating in #WATWB.

You’re absolutely right–for some families reading together is just part of the everyday routine, but for others this might be something new. It’s good for the parents and good for the kids. A win-win. Glad you stopped by!

I’m with Sharon…love this initiative! I think the children will get more out of reading for 20 minutes than spending an hour or two on homework. Think of the many wonderful books that they could read during the school year. Thanks for sharing this story and participating in the August #WATWB.